ESSEX — A longtime mainstay in Essex’s antiquing scene is putting himself on the shelf.
Bob Coviello, an antique dealer for 43 years, has decided to retire.
“I’ve been in the business for so long,” he said. “There is no such thing as a young antique dealer.
“I’m going to miss the business but people are going to miss the business, too,” Coviello said, as a steady stream of customers visited his shop, Main Street Antiques, 44 Main St., last Wednesday.
Coviello, who served for a time as the head of the defunct Essex Merchants Group, said the antique business has changed and is going out of style.
“The problem is the younger generation is not interested in antiques,” he said. “Parents can’t even give their antiques to their children. They don’t want them.”
Coviello, 76, moves slower than he used to, contending with a range of health issues stemming from cancer, a heart attack and kidney problems.
These days, he uses a mechanical mobility scooter to get around.
But Coviello is hardy.
“I would say health isn’t the reason (to retire),” he said. “If you gave me a day off, I’d still come in anyway.”
Coviello said he finds it difficult to believe he has been in the antiquing business for more than four decades, and owned and developed four different properties on Main Street, including the long closed Robert Coviello Antiques at 155 Main St. and the recently sold Main Street Antiques.
“The greatest pleasure I’ve had was when things were popping,” he said. “They were coming in and going out on a regular basis. It was exciting and fun.”
On Wednesday, he moved slowly through the collection of items — from furniture to household items and gadgets of different types — in his store.
Now that he has sold his business, Coviello said he only has a few weeks to dispose of the thousands of items in the shop. He estimates he has collected approximately 10,000 items through the years.
“Disposing all the inventory I’ve collected over 40 years is a daunting task,” he said. “People have bought stuff every day, all day long.”
For now, Coviello will rely on a number of people who plan to assist in disposing all of his antiques, including his son, Robbie Coviello, 34.
Robbie Coviello said he is happy and sad to see his father step down as an antique dealer.
“I’m kind of both at the same time,” he said.
Bob Coviello said the efforts made by the Essex Merchants Group are among his proudest achievements.
“We had 80 participating businesses,” he said. “We advertised and promoted all the businesses in town.”
Coviello recalls a time when he travelled throughout New England, searching for unique and valuable antiques. But that effort hasn’t taken place in about 20 years, Coviello said, with customers continuing to bring items directly to him.
“I’m grateful for all the customers and friends I’ve met over the years,” Coviello said.
Originally from Peabody, Coviello and his wife, Susan Gould-Coviello, have lived in Essex for many years.
Gould-Coviello is no stranger to business in the region, being named in 2021 to serve as president of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. Having been a member for more than 30 years, she was the second Essex resident to serve as president in the chamber’s more than 100-year history.
In addition, Gould-Coviello served on the Manchester Essex Regional District School Committee, and is a former Essex selectmen.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.